BIO
Born in 1995 in Cape Girardeau, MO, and raised in Paducah, KY, Savanna Rita Whelan is an artist working primarily in photography. She attended Murray State University from 2013 to 2015, then transferred to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2018. She has participated in numerous juried group exhibitions and several solo shows across the Midwest.
Savanna currently lives in Rogers Park, Chicago, making art, freelancing, and curating exhibitions. She is a member of Fulton Street Collective, where her work can be found included in monthly exhibitions.
EDUCATION
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2015-2018) Presidential Scholarship,
BFA 2018
Murray State University (2013-2015) Provost Scholarship, Transfer to SAIC
Paducah Tilghman High School (2009-2013)
EMPLOYMENT
Visitor Engagement Representative, The Art Institute of Chicago, IL (2023)
Barista, Hewn Bread, Evanston, IL (2022-2023)
Personal Assistant to Martha Schneider, Schneider Gallery, Chicago IL (2019-2023)
Freelance Photographer, Savanna Rita Photo (current)
Barista, Argo Tea, Chicago, IL (2018-2020)
Photography Instructor GTA Photography Camps, Chicago, IL (Summer 2018, 2019)
Gallery Assistant, Clara M. Eagle Gallery, Murray, KY (Fall 2013-Spring 2015
SKILLS
Photography (digital & analog), Photo editing, Production assistance, Gallery management, Art Curation, Collections management, Studio set-up & take-down, Art handling & installation, Bookbinding, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, Communication & Organization, Research, Teaching, Youth Development, Barista
AWARDS & EXHIBITIONS
(2022) Four Walls, Four Artists, Fulton Street Collective, Chicago, IL
(2021) Assemblage, solo show, Hotel 1857, Paducah, KY
(2020) Focal Point Exhibition, Foundry Art Center, St. Charles, MO
(2019-2020) See Through, solo show, Argo Tea Connor’s Park Chicago, IL
(2019) Too Tired Project Chicago Exhibition, Latitude Chicago, IL
(2018) Edifice, solo show, Belafonte Gallery Murray, KY
(2018, 2017, 2016, 2012) Art Through the Lens Regional Exhibition, Yeiser Art Center & Maiden Alley Cinema Paducah, KY
-2012 Honorable Mention
-2018 3rd Place Overall
(2017) School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fall BFA Show, Sullivan Galleries Chicago, IL
(2017, 2012, 2011) Art Through the Lens International Exhibition, Yeiser Art Center Paducah, KY
(2013) Murray State Founders Show, Clara M. Eagle Gallery Murray, KY
(2013) Solo Exhibition, Pinecone Gallery & Etcetera Coffeehouse Paducah, KY
(2012) Teen Spirit, Yeiser Art Center Paducah, KY
-Paducah School of Art and Design Scholarship Award
PUBLICATIONS
(2021) WERKS Contemporary Art Magazine, Issue 3, Chicago Artist Survey Special
(2018, 2017) Yeiser Art Center, Art Through the Lens Exhibition Catalog Photograph feature and artist statement
(2017) SAIC 2016-17 Photography Department Catalog, 8th edition p. 30 Photograph feature
(2012) iList Western Kentucky, ilistpaducah.com “We Love Savanna Whelan,” by Jessica Perkins Feature article and exhibition review